The Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area

The Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area is a network of nine scenic trails that criss-cross the 480 acres of preserved parkland surrounding Traverse City's former mental asylum. Most are relatively short (the longest is less than a mile), but they offer a wide range of terrain experiences: wetlands, hardwood forests, steep hillsides, and upland meadows with fine views of the city. There are several trail heads, but a good place to start is on North Long Lake Road where there is a parking lot.